Minisink Town Justice, Karen Ostberg, announced that she will not seek re-election.
In a deeply personal and decidedly public statement, Judge Ostberg announced: “After spending time with my family, and with the passing of my Mom, Dorothy Myszka, a pioneering businesswoman, and matriarch of the family who held a deep commitment to protecting vulnerable persons, I have made the decision not to seek re-election as Justice for the Town of Minisink, and to assume the position at the end of my term, as Chief Executive Officer of The DOTTIE Foundation, an International Advocacy Organization that represents vulnerable populations. I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as both Justice for Minisink and as a CAP Judge for Orange County, NY. However, after much consideration, I have made the decision to dedicate more of my time to my family and to expand the role of CEO for The DOTTIE Foundation.“
Judge Ostberg spoke from the heart: “Serving the communities of Minisink and Orange County as Judge, has been the greatest honor of my professional life. However, the need to address systemic inequities on a larger global scale has become impossible to ignore. My parents instilled in me the calling to advocate for those who are often silenced or forgotten, which extends the pursuit of Justice beyond the courtroom and into communities across the world. Serving as CEO of The DOTTIE Foundation furthers our commitment and I am honored.”
Judge Ostberg, who is serving a four year term as Justice for the Town of Minisink and recently completed her two year term as Vice Chair of the Orange County Magistrate’s Assoc. serving as one of the CAP Court coordinators, stated: “While I will be stepping away from the bench and “the robe”, I am not stepping away from the mission which is to provide “a cloak of protection” for those who do not have a voice. As important as it is to have fair, impartial and compassionate judges, so is it vital that we have advocates who stand up and protect those who do not have a voice, including children, those with special needs, the elderly and those who are missing or have been abducted.“ When asked about her present role as an Advocate for the Trump Administration’s Department of State -Hague Convention, Judge Ostberg responded: “I’ve seen how those who feel they do not have a voice also feel the loss of dignity – families with missing children, the elderly and those with special needs. Every human being deserves a voice. I am called to turn that into action beyond the Bench.”
Judge Ostberg continued to speak with excitement about the future: “When my current term as Town Justice ends, I will transition into a more active global philanthropic role with the DOTTIE Foundation in representing and supporting individuals who do not have a voice. In the role as CEO, I look forward to working more closely with the many organizations including the U.S. Department of State, the Peace Corp, as well as international private organizations throughout the world.”
Judge Ostberg acknowledged and thanked all those who have supported her. “Thank you to my dedicated staff and those who volunteered and supported my prior campaigns. Your commitment to Justice is genuine and I thank you for your unwavering support.” Judge Ostberg will complete her term on December 31, 2026, remaining on the bench until then to ensure a smooth transition for the Court and community.
About the DOTTIE Foundation
The DOTTIE Foundation is a philanthropic not-for-profit organization that works locally and globally representing and supporting individuals without a voice. Through global outreach and strategic advocacy, the DOTTIE Foundation empowers the marginalized and works to protect the fundamental rights of those who cannot speak for themselves including survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, the marginalized, children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. By supporting grassroots initiatives both locally and abroad, who advocate for those without a voice, the DOTTIE Foundation works to ensure that human dignity and justice are universal realities, regardless of geography or social status. The DOTTIE Foundation is currently upscaling operations to meet the growing needs of vulnerable populations Internationally